The saddled seabream (Oblada melanura), also called the saddle bream or oblade, is a species of fish of the family Sparidae.[1] It is monotypic in the genus Oblada.
It has a fuse-shaped blueish-silver body, with a black spot near the tail. The maximum length record for this species is 38 centimetres (15 in),[2] caught by Mr Martin Pisani (Malta) and maximum recorded weight is 0.93 kilograms (2.1 lb). Commonly specimens are around 20 centimetres (7.9 in). The mouth is relatively small, with lower jaw being little bit in front of the upper jaw.
It is a gregarious fish, spawning in June and July. The saddled seabream is an omnivorous fish, but feeds mainly on small invertebrates.
It is found over seagrass and rocky bottoms in the Mediterranean Sea, Bay of Biscay, Madeira, Cape Verde, Canary Islands and Strait of Gibraltar to Angola.[2]
It can reach a size of upto 30cm, but more commonly between 5 and 20cm. Often it can be found near the surface, close to the shore.
It is an important food fish, often sold fresh at local fish markets. It is caught in fish traps and various nets all year long. Bait in traps are various fresh and/or salted fish and fish chunks.
Saddled seabream can be hooked day and night, but much better during night. It will bait on bread, cheese, paste, fish chunks, mussels, but best results can be achieved using live bait such as live prawns.
When trolling near the shore, it is commonly caught on lures mimicking small Mediterranean sand smelts, various mullets or prawns.
The meat is soft and tender. Smaller specimen are often fried or used for fish soups, while larger specimen can be barbecued, grilled, or prepared as part of mixed fish stews. It can be very tasty, served with olive oil, garlic, parsley and some lemon juice.
The saddled seabream (Oblada melanura), also called the saddle bream or oblade, is a species of fish of the family Sparidae. It is monotypic in the genus Oblada.
